Man found dead near Pine Camp as cold exposure considered

Richmond police are investigating the death of an adult man found Tuesday afternoon on the grounds of Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, in the 4900 block of Old Brook Road.

Officers were called to the property at approximately 2:51 p.m. on January 27th after a report of a person down. According to police, officers found an adult male unresponsive beneath a walkway near a structure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives say there are currently no indications of foul play. Investigators believe exposure to recent cold weather may have been a factor, though the official cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner. As of Tuesday evening, the man had not been identified, and police said efforts to identify him were ongoing.

The death comes amid sustained cold in the region, prompting the city to expand warming and shelter options. In a statement, Mayor Danny Avula encouraged residents in need of warmth to seek available resources, including the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter and the Linwood Robinson Senior Center.

Shelter intake is continuing at the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. The city has also opened an additional evening warming center starting at 5 p.m. at the Linwood Robinson Senior Center, at 700 North 26th Street, for the duration of the winter weather event.

During operating hours, Richmond Public Library locations are also serving as daytime warming centers, offering snacks and warm beverages. Library hours and locations are available on the Richmond Public Library website here.

City officials also noted that the inclement weather shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue houses the Community Resource and Training Center, which connects residents experiencing housing instability to services and case management. Additional information about homeless services in Richmond is available on the city’s website here.

Anyone with information related to the death is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective Sergeant C. Adams at 804-646-6775 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers mobile app.